An eloquent case for regarding nature itself as the focus of religion—as the metaphysical ultimate deserving religious commitment.
The beauty, sublimity, and wonder of nature have been justly celebrated in all of the religious traditions of the world, but usually these traditions have focused on beings or powers presumed to lie behind nature, providing nature’s ultimate explanation and meaning. In a radical departure, Donald A. Crosby makes an eloquent case for regarding nature itself as the focus of religion, conceived without God, gods, or animating spirits of any kind, and argues that nature is metaphysically ultimate. He explores the concept of nature, the place of humans in nature, the responsibilities of humans to one another and to their natural environments, and offers a religious vision that grants to nature the kind of reverence, awe, love, and devotion formerly reserved for God. Crosby also shares his personal journey from theistic faith to a religion of nature.
Mục lục
Preface
PART 1. Introduction
1. From God to Nature:A Personal Odyssey
PART 2. The Nature of Nature
2. Concept of Nature
3. Science and Nature
4. Values in Nature
5. Humans and Nature
PART 3. A Religion of Nature
6. The Nature of Religion and a Religion of Nature
7. Objections to a Religion of Nature
8. The Religious Ultimacy of Nature
Notes
Selected Bibliography
Index of Authors and Titles
Index of Subjects
Giới thiệu về tác giả
Donald A. Crosby is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at Colorado State University. He is the author of many books, including Sacred and Secular: Responses to Life in a Finite World, also published by SUNY Press.